Afterword: How This Book Came to Be

This book was never planned. It just happened. Having worked in people analytics since before the term existed, I’ve had countless career conversations with those just starting their careers who were seeking guidance and when I started teaching people analytics in early 2016 the requests for advice really increased. I noticed people usually had many of the same questions or concerns. So, I started compiling a sort of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document I could share. I began compiling a simple FAQ document to share. By 2020, it had grown too long, so I turned it into a step-by-step guide, continually adding content based on the questions and needs of people I interacted with. But then, of course, it got too big and unwieldy too, so in 2023, I edited and reformatted it into an eBook. A “book launch” was never the intention so when it was up, I just made one or two comments on LinkedIn and kept my list of newsletter subscribers up to date on my progress.

Unexpectedly, that little eBook guide got noticed. Without any marketing, it got readers—more than I, or the guide itself, were prepared for. It was still essentially a rough draft (apologies to anyone who read that error-filled version!). Intended primarily for my graduating students, I never imagined it reaching so many beyond my immediate circle. I was happily mistaken and also realized that the guide deserved to become a more cohesive resource since there were people who seemed eager for an opportunity to read a book in support of their people analytics career. I had a busy year ahead but worked on the book whenever I could. In the summer of 2024, I sat down every day to turn that little guide into the full-length book you are reading today.

The book’s structure and content reflect its organic growth. That means some pieces may feel more in-depth than others and you may notice that I cover some general career advice topics that aren’t people analytics specific (while omitting equally useful general career advice topics). That is because the content in this book evolved naturally from countless conversations, courses, and connections with people analytics professionals—both aspiring and experienced. Some sections address recurring concerns (like imposter syndrome), while others offer practical resources and skill-building guidance for those who feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of skills related to this profession. Quite a few sections were based on what leaders said they are looking for when hiring people analytics professionals – they overwhelmingly stress the importance of a full range of skills that go beyond only quantitative analysis which is why you’ll see an entire step called “It’s Not All Analytics: Step 2. Build Your Non-Technical Skills” and why even in the technical skills section, you’ll notice a lot of non-quantitative skills like research methods, qualitative analysis, visualizations, data management, data governance, ethics, and technology use.

I hope this book has brought you value in some form and that you feel welcome to join and be part of the people analytics community. I also hope you enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed building it over the years. It came together slowly, piece by piece, and every bit of it was built with love and is given to you now in the same spirit.

– Heather